Why go out of your way to drive hours into a super dry desert that looks straight outta The Lorax? We're glad you asked. A far cry from its Mormon/Native American roots, Joshua Tree has become a high-desert Mecca for artists, musicians, nature lovers and free-spirits alike. Its modern day cool seems to have been conceived in the late 60s/70s when rock legends notoriously, well, tripped there. 

Even if tripping like a rockstar isn't your thing, we can all feel the pull of Joshua Tree's magic. Not only is it a beautiful place to drive, hike, and explore through during the day, but the desert has a celestial beauty that emerges in after sundown. Joshua Tree is famous for its ethereal dark skies, the darkest in Southern California. The closest major city is only about 100 miles away, giving visitors a unique opportunity to admire the stars away from the pollutants that muddle metropolitan skies. 

In recent years, Joshua Tree has become the Southern Californian's unlikely hotspot for a weekend getaway. Just next to J-Tree are 29 Palms and Pioneertown, which are emerging towns budding with vintage stores, hipster motels, coffee shops, and restaurants of both the ruggedly retro and new and chic breed. So grab some friends and take the 2-hour drive from LA, visit the shops and marketplaces, and check out cool art installations, and shop for a cookout + campout in the middle of the desert. You'd be surprised how much there is to do in Joshua Tree.

If you need any more convincing, there are countless AirBnb treasures in Joshua Tree that warrant a visit in their own right.  Lucky for you, we've crafted our wish list of Airbnbs in the area that range from shabby chic desert lodge to modern desert oasis. Check it out here.